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Offered languages
- English
Satisfy your sweet tooth and discover a different side of Hawke’s Bay on this delightful journey through the region’s picturesque countryside. Accompanied by a friendly local guide, you'll visit some of Hawke’s Bay’s most loved artisan producers, sampling local honey, handcrafted chocolates, and New Zealand’s iconic real fruit ice cream along the way.
Unlike larger coach tours, our small-group experience offers a more personal and relaxed pace, with opportunities to connect with local producers and hear the stories behind their craft. Travelling through beautiful rural landscapes, you'll gain insight into the region's food culture, local history, and hidden gems.
Perfect for families, couples, friends, and food lovers of all ages, this tour showcases a side of Hawke’s Bay that many visitors miss. You'll discover exceptional local flavours, warm hospitality, and authentic experiences that celebrate the people and produce that make Hawke’s Bay so special.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Cruise passengers can take the free shuttle bus from the port to the National Aquarium (second stop); the ride takes about 5-10 minutes.
We will be at the pick-up location 5-10 minutes before the tour starts.
* To request Alternative start times or tour customisations
- Book on our Mates Travel website.
This tour requires a minimum number of guests to operate. If minimum numbers are not met, the tour may be rescheduled or cancelled. In this case, we’ll contact you with alternative dates, tours or offer a full refund.
Itinerary
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1
Indulge your sweet tooth with a selection of handcrafted chocolates at Silky Oak Chocolates. Watch the chocolatiers at work through the factory viewing windows and enjoy browsing the boutique chocolate shop filled with locally made treats. Chocolate Thru’ the Ages Museum Step back in time and explore the fascinating story of chocolate through the ages. This self-guided museum showcases over 3,000 years of chocolate history, from ancient civilisations through to the modern chocolate industry.
45 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2Arataki Honey Visitor Centre
Discover the fascinating world of bees at Arataki Honey, one of New Zealand’s most recognised honey producers. Learn how honey is made, view a live beehive in action, and enjoy tastings of a variety of delicious honeys, including New Zealand’s world-famous mānuka honey.
45 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
We then visit the charming Birdwoods Gallery, a true Hawke’s Bay favourite. Set amongst beautiful gardens and sculptures, Birdwoods offers a unique blend of art, creativity, and countryside charm. Browse the gallery, explore the grounds, visit the nostalgic sweet shop, or simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. Birdwoods Gallery is subject to seasonal opening hours. When unavailable, we will substitute another carefully selected Hawke’s Bay attraction to ensure you enjoy a memorable and well-rounded experience.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
To finish the day, we visit the iconic Strawberry Patch, a much-loved local institution famous for its fresh produce and legendary real fruit ice creams. Here you'll enjoy a true Kiwi classic as fresh seasonal berries are blended on the spot with creamy vanilla ice cream or yoghurt to create a refreshing treat bursting with natural flavour.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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